Salient Features of Two International Environmental Agreements
The global nature of environmental problems such as climate change, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss requires international cooperation. In response, the global community has established numerous environmental agreements and conventions. Among these, two of the most significant are:
- The Paris Agreement (2015)
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992)
These agreements play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development, environmental justice, and global cooperation.
1. The Paris Agreement (2015)
Background:
The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015. It entered into force on November 4, 2016, and nearly 195 countries have signed it.
Objective:
To limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
Salient Features:
a) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
Each country submits its own climate action plan known as an NDC, which includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Countries are required to update these every five years with more ambitious goals.
b) No Legal Penalties, but Binding Commitments:
While the emission reduction targets are not legally binding, the framework for transparency, reporting, and review is binding. This relies on the principle of naming and shaming rather than strict penalties.
c) Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR):
The Agreement maintains the principle that while all countries share responsibility, developed countries should take the lead because of their historical contributions to climate change.
d) Climate Finance:
Developed countries have committed to mobilizing at least USD 100 billion per year to support climate action in developing nations, especially for adaptation and mitigation efforts.
e) Transparency Framework:
Countries must regularly submit data on emissions and progress on NDCs, which will be subject to international technical expert review.
f) Global Stocktake:
Every five years, beginning in 2023, there will be a global review to assess collective progress toward achieving the long-term goals of the Agreement.
g) Loss and Damage:
It acknowledges the losses and damages experienced by vulnerable countries due to climate-related disasters, though compensation mechanisms remain a debated topic.
Relevance to Sustainable Development:
- Helps achieve SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- Encourages clean energy, sustainable cities, and reduced inequality (SDGs 7, 11, and 10).
- Strengthens international cooperation.
2. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992)
Background:
The CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and came into force in 1993. It is the first global agreement to cover all aspects of biodiversity—including conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits.
Over 196 parties are signatories to this convention.
Objective:
To promote the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
Salient Features:
a) Three Pillars:
- Conservation of biodiversity.
- Sustainable use of its components.
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
b) National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs):
Each signatory country is required to develop and implement NBSAPs to integrate biodiversity into national planning and policies.
c) Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS):
Countries have sovereign rights over their natural resources. The Nagoya Protocol (2010), a supplementary agreement, lays out the rules for accessing genetic resources and sharing benefits fairly.
d) Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000):
This protocol addresses the safe handling of living modified organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on biodiversity or human health.
e) Monitoring and Reporting:
Parties must regularly report their biodiversity status, actions taken, and outcomes achieved.
f) Ecosystem Approach:
CBD promotes the use of an ecosystem-based approach that takes into account interconnections between species and their environment.
g) Financial Mechanism:
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) acts as the funding institution to support implementation of the CBD in developing countries.
Relevance to Sustainable Development:
- Supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
- Promotes sustainable agriculture, forests, and fisheries.
- Encourages respect for traditional knowledge and indigenous rights.
Comparative Summary:
| Feature | Paris Agreement | Convention on Biological Diversity |
| Adopted | 2015 (COP21) | 1992 (Rio Earth Summit) |
| Main Focus | Climate change and emissions | Biodiversity conservation and use |
| Legally Binding? | Framework binding, targets voluntary | Legally binding framework |
| Mechanisms | NDCs, Climate Finance, Stocktake | NBSAPs, ABS, Protocols |
| Key Supplementary Protocol | — | Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols |
| Linked SDGs | 7, 11, 13, 17 | 14, 15, 12, 2 |
Conclusion:
These two global agreements—the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity—reflect the growing realization that environmental issues are global in scope and require international cooperation. While the Paris Agreement tackles the urgent threat of climate change, the CBD focuses on the longer-term goal of preserving the planet’s genetic and biological wealth. Both are cornerstones of international environmental governance and essential tools in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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